Environment

The Pacific Northwest is one of the most environmentally diverse areas of
the United States.
From Puget Sound to the millions of acres of
untouched forest, it is home to rich wildlife habitat and unique ecosystems. Those
living in the Pacific Northwest support strong
environmental safeguards and remain among the most environmentally conscious populations
in the country. Throughout his service in the Washington State Legislature and
as a representative of Washington State in the U.S. Congress, Jim has been an
ardent and unwavering supporter of conservation and strong environmental
protections.

Climate ChangeIn 2010, the crew of the Ocean Watch sailed from Seattle
and circumnavigated North and South America. This
feat was especially remarkable because Ocean Watch sailed completely through
the Northwest Passage – a passage normally
blocked by severe weather and thick ice. Climate change has made passage
possible – another persuasive indication that global warming is having a
significant impact on our environment.

Jim knows that we must end our dependence on fossil fuels. He introduced
carbon tax legislation to gradually increase taxes on greenhouse gas-emitting
substances. This legislation received broad support in the past Congress from
both environmentalists and the oil and gas industry, who viewed it as a viable option
for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.

SalmonSalmon and steelhead populations have major economic,
environmental, and cultural significance to the Pacific Northwest.
Generations of fishermen have relied on salmon as an integral part of their
communities along the west coast.
However, since the construction of four federal dams on the lower Snake
River in Washington State, certain salmon species have become extinct, and
others continue to see drastic declines in numbers. Today, thirteen
salmon and steelhead species in the Columbia and Snake River Basins are listed
for protection under the “Endangered Species Act.”

If we do not change current trends, we stand to lose this valuable resource
forever, which is why Jim has introduced the bipartisan “Salmon Solutions and Planning Act.” The federal government and
ratepayers in the Pacific Northwest have spent more than $10 billion in salmon
recovery efforts on the Columbia and Snake River Basins. These efforts, though
well-intentioned, have done little to help salmon populations recover. Jim’s
legislation commissions studies that will focus efforts so that all factors are
taken into account when considering how to best help the salmon population grow.
It is critical that our salmon recovery efforts are grounded in the very best
available science so that they are cost-effective and successful.

Capital Construction FundsThe Pacific Northwest has been home to some of the most
successful catch share programs in the country. These programs allow fishermen
to share among themselves specific amounts of fish that each boat can catch. In
conjunction with the federal government, these voluntary agreements ensure that
our fisheries are not over-fished and continue to provide a sustainable source
of fish well into the future.

Jim has introduced bipartisan legislation that would help
fishermen who wish to leave the fishing industry but have put away savings in
funds that grow tax-free to be used for the purchase of new boats and
maintenance. Rather than building more boats, or wasting resources renovating boats
that are not needed, the legislation would allow fishermen who wish to retire
to withdraw these funds without penalty, and ensure the best use of
resources.